A special court on Wednesday directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to verify the health condition of Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur considering that she had remained absent on several occasions hampering the court proceedings.

“The accused (Thakur) has been absent for long except on 22/03/2024. On 22/03/2024, the accused appeared before the court and considering her physical and mental condition, she was allowed to leave the court. Thereafter, before departing to Bhopal, she did not turn back in the court to record her statement,” the court said, adding her absence was hampering the court proceedings.

Advocate representing Thakur on Wednesday sought exemption for her appearance, stating that she was seeking medical treatment in her home in Bhopal. He further narrated that her physical condition was unforeseen and beyond her control, praying that considering her medical and physical condition sufficient time be granted to recover from the said ailment.

A special public prosecutor, representing NIA, told the court that the Thakur’s plea had been considered on several occasions, however, the cause cannot be verified as she was not in the city.

The certificate annexed to the exemption application stated that the accused was suffering from cervical spondylitis and migraine and hence, was advised to take complete bed rest by her doctor.